140 year of Shriners

Monday, November 18, 2013

Jessica Cox, an incredible woman who, although born without arms as the result of a birth defect, received a pilot's license. She flies an Ercoupe -- with her feet. She is now an ambassador of aviation and a disability rights activist, and just made Plane & Pilot's list of the top ten pilots in the world this month!

Jessica received rehabilitation treatment as a child, in the Shriner's Hospital here in Los Angeles.

The Mauli Ola Foundation began as a group of surfers who banded together to introduce surfing as a natural treatment to people with cystic fibrosis. Since 2007, Mauli Ola has taken nearly 1,300 CF patients surfing at nearly 100 Surf Experience Days and has now expanded it’s reach with hospital visits and other activities that touch the lives of kids with cancer and a variety of other health challenges. In 2010, MOF was awarded The Agent of Change Award by SURFER Magazine for its positive contributions and example to the surfing community.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Hello Nobles! Tune in tomorrow morning to see Fezzy, our Love to the rescue® Ambassador make his national debut on Fox & Friends and possibly the Today Show.

In honor of National American Teddy Bear Day, Shriners Hospitals for Children® will be introducingFezzy, our Love to the rescue® Ambassador. Fezzy, who proudly wears the iconic Shriner red fez, has a mission to raise awareness and support for the innovative care available at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

A 9’ version of Fezzy will be featured between 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. on Fox & Friends.

Spokesperson Brian Ball from Shriners Hospitals for Children will talk about our patient-centric and comprehensive care. Additionally, Fezzy will be part of the audience outside the Today Show from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. where we are hoping to present a 4’ Fezzy to the hosts at the Today Show.

Shriners from the Kismet & Mecca temples will be joining us at both locations to help unveil our new bear ambassador.

Thank you to everyone who tunes in and spreads the word about the innovative pediatric care available at Shriners Hospitals for Children. This is an exciting day for all of us!

Monday, November 11, 2013

More than 4,500 people visited The Al Bedoo Shrine Auditorium on Broadwater Avenue to purchase crafts and raffle tickets on Saturday and Sunday.

Several nonprofits also had booths set up to provide information about what they do in Billings.

The proceeds of the raffle are donated to Shriners Hospital for Children Services.

"Several of the vendors are taking part of their sales and are donating to the hospital as well," said event organizer Heidi Wheaton.

The raffle raised $1,075 over Saturday and Sunday, she said.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children provides care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lips and palates to live normal lives, regardless of their ability to pay.

Wheaton has first-hand experience with the Shriners Hospital services. Her daughter's thumbs were not developed properly at birth.

Her daughter will probably require at least eight surgeries at the Shriners Hospital in Spokane, Wash. before her hands are fully functional.

"The care she receives from them is second to none," she said. "They're life changing."

There are 22 Shriners Hospitals in North America.

Jack and Clarice Fawcett have been a part of the Shriners organization since 1965.

The couple makes night-lights out of empty wine bottles stuffed with a string of Christmas lights.

They donate 25 percent of what they make to the Shriners.

"We believe in taking care of the children who need our support," said Jack Fawcett.

Chairman of the Al Bedoo Shriners Hospital Corps Scott Mullen said events and fundraisers are important for the Shriners' mission.

"The money helps us to find those children and get them better," he said.

This year, Mullen and his fellow corps members in Billings have referred more than 60 children for care at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

"We've done this for a lot of years," he said. "It's a rewarding experience."

Friday, November 8, 2013

We are pleased to announce that attendance was not only more than last year, we easily exceeded our goal of 200 participants! The weather, while cold, remained dry for the duration of the event and many participants stayed long enough to witness the El Katif Duck Race. Everyone had a great time. We sincerely thank each and all of you who either participated or volunteered for this second annual iteration 5K Fun Run.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Dunbar honored by Masons

Thursday, Nov 7th, 2013

Worshipful Brother Jim Dunbar received a gold lapel pin from the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of South Dakota in recognition of his being a Master Mason for more than 60 years. Shown at the presentation are, from left, Worshipful Brother Jack Ferguson, Worshipful Master of Frontier Lodge No. 87 of Wessington Springs; Deputy Grand Master Douglas McFarland; Dunbar; and Worshipful Brother Doug Friedrichsen. Worshipful Brother Neil Kotas, not pictured, served as chaplin. The ceremony took place Oct. 21 at Frontier lodge in Wessington Springs with many Brothers attending. Refreshments and fellowship were enjoyed afterwards.

For the complete article see the 11-06-2013 issue. http://www.plainsman.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=21267&page=75

No one knows exactly what year the unusual tradition of serving a fried oyster dinner began at the venerable Corinne Masonic Lodge.

The event was originally held in early November to encourage attendance as the lodge in this small Box Elder County town held elections, but it became so popular that members decided to move it to the second Saturday in November in 1978 and use it as a fundraiser to help pay for upkeep of its historic building on 4405 W. Montana St.

"Our lodge started in 1872 and received its official charter in 1873," said Nelson. "The oyster dinner started much later than this. The old-timers said that even in the 1960s and ‘70s, they were eating oysters on election nights. In 1978, one of the guys decided it would be better to separate the oyster dinner from election night to the second Saturday of November."According to Mike Nelson, the current master of the 140-year-old Masonic group, this year’s event is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. It is open to the public. Cost is $15 and includes fried oysters, fried green tomatoes, ham slices, garlic bread, potato salad, ice cream, root beer and homemade desert.

Long-time member John Elwell said the original dinners were so small that members had a six-pound tub of medium oysters shipped in by train from Washington state on the old railroad fish train that came to Ogden every night.

"We would pick up a tub of oysters and, that night, the designated cook would fry them up for lodge members, in an effort to get lodge members out for balloting," he said.

Word got out among other Masons in Utah about the oyster dinners, and more began attending. So Elwell said a few more oysters were ordered. It was then decided this was too much work for election night and the effort was turned into a fundraiser.

Fried-green tomatoes were added to the dinner. Some folks didn’t like the oysters, so ham was added, Elwell said. He wrote that the shipping of the oysters changed as demand increased. When the railroad stopped shipping the fresh oysters, another company shipped them by air express. The group then bought its oysters from the Globe Fish Market in Ogden. When that went out of business, Ocean Beauty began providing the approximately 150 pounds of oysters needed for the event.

Originally, lodge members used small home fryers. But when an Ogden restaurant closed, a lodge secretary obtained commercial fryers to use in the popular event. The historic building needed to be rewired to have enough electricity to operate them.

One of the traditions that has evolved is that Norm and Annie Smith, Masons from Price, usually attend the oyster dinner. They entertain guests and visitors with music from the old Hammond organ in the Lodge room, which also serves as a waiting area for tables to clear and people to visit after eating.

For rest of the story go to http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment2/57081874-223/lodge-oysters-dinner-oyster.html.csp

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The search has concluded and the wait is over! Shriners Hospitals for Children - Spokane has its new administrator. Mr. Peter Brewer was selected from the final pool of three candidates who were interviewed by hospital department heads, medical staff and the Board of Governors.

The three groups of interview teams came up with a unanimous decision among the candidates, despite coming to their decisions seperately. Mr. Brewer is set to begin work on Sept. 3rd. Everyone is excited and confident he will be a tremendous addition to our team.

New Donor Development Director

Angelique Heinzen was brought on to fill the vacant Donor Development Director position. Angelique brings with her a rich background in donor relations. She will begin work August 30th. We are excited to have her skills and expertise working to expand the horizons of our hospital.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Thank you for your hard work at our Masonic FairBooth. Attached is a letter I sent to all Lodgesin a 60 mile radius from Pomona and the Resultsof your work promoting Masonry and answeringmany questions about Masonry and helpingseveral men in starting their journey in Masonry.We also did ID's for 2000 children.Those that want to be on the Rusty Trowel Committeethis coming year and helping prepare for the Fair,please let me know and I will try and have ameeting in December to start the process as inFebruary we have to make it known to the Fairwe want to be there in 2014. Thanks Gene Bowman